The Accelerated Attrition Rate Of US Cents

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Author	Replies: 7 / Views: 294
BadThad Bedrock of the Community United States 19937 Posts	Posted 06/06/2026 10:08 pm I believe we are seeing a greatly accelerated rate of attrition for all US cents now that minting has stopped. The survivors are being passed more often in commerce. While there are still billions out there, the regard by all for them is low. I theorize they disappear quicker than many may think. What do you think? Lincoln Cent Lover! VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/ Report this Post to the Staff

Vector Ze Valued Member United States 468 Posts	Posted 06/06/2026 10:47 pm I couldn't say whether attrition is accelerated due to heavier use on the remaining coins in circulation. Another factor may be indiscriminate hoarding with the perception of increased value in the near future. In any case, people need to move on, and get used to cash transactions without the Cent. It doesn't really affect me, personally, since nearly all of my transactions are electronic, and have been for many years. Report this Post to the Staff
HondoB Bedrock of the Community United States 25066 Posts	Posted 06/06/2026 10:48 pm We'll stop using coins before running out of cents. Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures Report this Post to the Staff
nickelsearcher Moderator United States 15403 Posts	Posted 06/07/2026 06:21 am I'm with HondoB - society will eventually move on from all coins and there will still be cents available when that happens. Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art Report this Post to the Staff
ijn1944 Bedrock of the Community United States 19138 Posts	Posted 06/07/2026 08:08 am Tend to agree with the two comments immediately above. Can't rule out a major shift in personal, day-to-day commerce which could trigger an upswing in bartering (half joking...). Two potatoes for that squirrel. Report this Post to the Staff
BStrauss3 Pillar of the Community United States 4589 Posts	Posted 06/07/2026 10:04 pm The ZLincolns are one scratch and a rainy day away from dust. Even with billions minted since 1982... -----Burton 50+ year / Life / Emeritus ANA member (joined 12/1/1973) Life member: Numismatics International, CONECA Member: TNA, FtWCC, NETCC, EveryCountry (online) coin club Owned by three cats and a wife of 40+ years (joined 1983) Author: 3rd Edition of the Sample Slabs book, https://www.sampleslabs.info/ Report this Post to the Staff
Marv65 Bedrock of the Community United States 10497 Posts	Posted 06/08/2026 02:01 am Quote: I theorize they disappear quicker than many may think. What do you think? All depends on your meaning of "quicker" - quicker than what? We're still finding wheat cents in change. Unless the Government outlaws the use of Lincoln Cents, you're gonna be seeing them for a looooooong time. Even the copper coated zinc cents have an estimated life span, in circulation, of 25 to 30 years - as long as damage doesn't occur and expose the zinc core. Report this Post to the Staff
jbuck Moderator United States 188026 Posts	Posted 06/08/2026 10:24 am Quote: I theorize they disappear quicker than many may think. What do you think? I think you are right. Time will tell. Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
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